IPL 2025, Qualifier 1: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of the ongoing IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League. Both teams have secured positions in the top two of the points table and will now face off in the race to the final. The loser of Qualifier 1 will play the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2, while the winner will directly qualify for the final.

Speaking of performances, both PBKS and RCB have played well this season, winning nine out of 14 matches. RCB became the first team to win all of their away games, an impressive achievement. They have performed as a well-oiled unit and have played their best cricket so far.

Hence, the upcoming clash promises to be exciting, considering the recent form of both teams. PBKS are in great shape, particularly their top order. Also, neither team has won a title yet, and they are now just two steps away from making history.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, in the new Chandigarh, has hosted many IPL matches. The pitch generally favours batters, so the captain winning the toss is likely to choose to bat first, post a strong total, and look to defend it. There is no forecast of rain, so the match is expected to proceed without interruptions.

Head-to-Head Record

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Punjab Kings have faced each other in 34 matches so far, with both teams having won 17 matches each.

Check Here: IPL Points Table 2025 | Latest & Updated

Predicted Playing 11s

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, and Arshdeep Singh.

Impact Player: Praveen Dubey.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):

Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (c/wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, and Suyash Sharma.

Impact Player: Rajat Patidar.